Tours

California Art TourSaturdays & Sundays, 2 pm

Join an OMCA Docent for an exploration of the Gallery of California Art. Learn more about the themes within the Gallery, including California Land, California People, and California Creativity, and discuss the different media and periods represented. Tours may explore a theme specific to a particular topic, current event, or special exhibition, inspiring new perspectives on California’s evolving role in the arts. Tour meets inside the entrance to the Gallery of California Art.

California History TourSundays, 3 pm

Join an OMCA Docent for an exploration of the Gallery of California History. Tours focus on various themes, including the Gallery’s overarching concept, “Coming to California,” which emphasizes the profound impact of the state’s successive waves of immigration. Tours explore Californians’ varied ethnicities, relationships with the environment, global connections, and dreams and aspirations from the native peoples through the present. Meet inside the entrance to the Gallery of California History.

OMCA Highlight TourFridays & Saturdays, 1 pm

Join an OMCA Docent for an introduction to the Oakland Museum of California, its history, architecture, and collections. Visit the Museum Gardens and at least two of the three main galleries that explore the art, history, and natural world of California. Tour meets at the Ticketing Desk on Level 2.

Architecture of the Museum TourFirst Sundays, 1 pm

Tours offered by members of OMCA's Council on Architecture on the first Sunday of every month at 1 pm. Meet at the Ticketing Desk on Level 2.

Bike Tours Third Sundays, 10 am

One of the best ways to explore Oakland’s patchwork of neighborhoods is by cycling through them with an experienced guide. From May through October, OMCA docents lead bike tours of this eclectic city; destinations include downtown Oakland, the port area, Lake Merritt, and Fruitvale. The free two-hour tours take place on the third Sunday of the month and depart from the Museum’s 10th Street entrance at 10 am. Bring your own bikes, helmets, and repair kits. For more information and to make a reservation, call 510-318-8470 or docentcenter@museumca.org.

Private Docent Tours
Private docent tours are available by request for groups of 10 or more. Available tours are California Art, California History, California Natural Sciences or "Highlights of OMCA". There is a fee of $4 per person in addition to admission for a 45-minute tour. Tours generally require 3 weeks notice. To check availability or book, email us at groups@museumca.org.